Oil cup device



Feb. 13, 1962 H. A. ANDRESEN 3,020,979

OIL CUP DEVICE Filed Nov. 24. 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Hg. 5 I! INVENTOR w kz/zqhh ATTORNEYS Feb. 13, 1962 H. A. ANDRESEN 3,020,979

OIL CUP DEVICE Filed Nov. 24, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Z ward fizz/ruse) United States Patent 3,020,979 01L CUP DEVICE Hilmar A. Andresen, Barrington, 111., assignor to Gits Bros. Mfg. Co., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed Nov. 24, 1959, Ser. No. 855,035 12 Claims. (Cl.-184-91) The present invention relates to improvements in oiler mechanisms of 'the type having an oil cup with a hinged cover spring-urged to closed position for covering the cup.

In oiler mechanisms of'the above type, various arrangements have heretofore been employed for mounting the cover on the cup and for spring loading the cover to automatically snap to closed position when released. Coiled wire torsion springs have been employed but are relatively expensive to manufacture and assemble and encounter other disadvantages. Leaf springs have also been employed but have heretofore not been fully satisfactory in that they encumber the satisfactory operation of the cover and cup and encounter other structural and functional disadvantages.

The present invention contemplates the provision of an oiler assembly employing an oil cup with a chamber therein open at the top of the cup and a cover to close the open chamber. The cover is pivotally supported on the cup by a hinge plate extending rigidly rearwardly from the cup with lateral ears which are pivotally received by openings in downward turned flaps on the cover. -At the rear edge of the cover extends an integral cover closing spring strip. In one form the spring strip is turned downwardly from the cover in a first portion, and "turned upwardly in a second portion with the bend between the portions forming a limiting nose to limit the pivotal opening movement of the cover; the second portion engages a reaction surface formed'at the distal edge of the hinge plate for resiliently urging the cover to a closed position. In another form the spring strip is doubled forwardly from the rear edge of the cover in a first portion, and a second portion is turned rearwardly and downwardly to engage the reaction surface to urge the cover to closed position.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved oil cup and spring closed cover assembly embodying an improved spring strip extending integrally from the cover at the rear edge thereof for closing the cover.

Another object of the invention is to provide 'an improved oiler assembly utilizing a spring strip for a cover wherein the spring is simply and inexpensively formed at the rear edge of the cover and does not interfere with the functions of the cover or the oil cup.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved integral spring arrangement for the-cover of an oil cup formed of a spring strip integral with the cover wherein the strip is shaped with a minimum number of bends and to obtain a strip of longer or more reliable operating life and which provides improved cover closing characteristics.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved oil cup cover with an integral spring strip for closing the cover wherein the length of the strip may be selectively changed without adversely affecting the successful operation of the cover and spring strip.

Other objects and advantages will become more apparent with the teachings of the principles of the invention in connection with the disclosure of the preferred embodiments thereof in the specification claims and drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is aside elevational view of an oiler assembly embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a rear elevational view of the assembly of FIGURE 1;

3,020,979 Patented Feb. 13, 1962 FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of the assembly of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is aside elevational view of the assembly of FIGURE 1 showing the cover in open position;

FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of the oil cup with the cover removed;

FIGURE '6 is a side elevational view of another form of oilet assembly constructed in accordance with the principlesof the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is a rear elevational view of the assembly of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a bottom plan view of the cover of the assembly of FIGURE '6;

FIGURE 9 is aside elevational view of the assembly of FIGURE 6 showing the cover in open position; and

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary top plan view of a form of a hinge plate for the mechanism.

-As shown on the drawings:

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGURES 1 through 5, the oiler assembly includes an oil cup 11 with a cover 12. The oil cup .is illustrated in a preferred form as having .atubular shaped body 13 which may be formed of metal that may be drawn to the shape shown, although other materials may be used. The cover 12 may be formed of the same type of metal. Stainless steel or other sheetmet-als maybe used and the cup and cover may be plated or may be uncoated as the environment of the use dictates.

The cup 11 is shaped with an open lower end 14 and an opening 15 at the upper end leading to an oilch'a'mber 16. The body 13 is of a generally hollow tubular shape and the base end 17 is of smaller diameter than the upper end 18. The base end may thus be frictionally mounted in an opening in the surface of a panel 19 or other part of a machine having a conduit or other passage leading to an area which requires oil as will be appreciated by one skilled'in the art.

The cover 12 has a flat planar top portion 20 with a down turned annular edge flange 21 which extends downwardly over the upper edge of the cup to prevent foreign materials from getting into the chamber 16 within the cup. It will be noted that the pivotal support arrangement and spring arrangement for the cover 12 per-1' inits it to seat tightly on the top of the cup 11.

The front edge 22 of the cover extends 'over the top of the cup in closed position, as illustrated in FIGURES '1, 2 and 3, and adjacent the rear edge 23 of the cover are a pair of downwardly extending flaps 24 and 25 having laterally extending openings therethrough, such as shown at 26 for the flap 24.

For pivotally supporting the cover on the cup, a hinge plate 27 is mounted at the edge of the top of the cup. The hinge plate has hinge lugs 28 and 29 which extend laterally from the hinge plate 27 and are pivotally received'by the lateral openings inthe flaps. The lug 29 is .pivotally received by the opening 26, and'the lug 28is 'pivotally received by the opening in the flap 25. This hinge arrangement permitsthe cover to pivot between closedposition as'shown'in FIGURE 1, and an open position'as shown in FIGURE '4.

For urging the cover 12 to closed position over the cu a cover closing spring strip 30 extends integrally "from the rear edge 23 of the cover.

The spring strip is turned downwardly from the plane of the cover in a first portion .31 and is turned upwardly in asecond portion 32. The portions are joined at a bend which forms a limiting nose 33. This limiting nose strikes the side wall of'the oil cup 11 to limit the open position ofthe "cover, as illustrated in FIGURE 4. The cover closing edge 34 forms a reaction surface for the spring strip 30 in order that it may urge the cover toward closed position. This reaction surface or edge 34 is spaced from the pivotal axis of the cover so as to obtain a closing torque.

While the spring 30 is formed of such a length that the nose 33 acts as a limit stop, it will be recognized that this nose is not essential to the operation of the spring for its closing function and the length of the spring strip 30 may be shortened. The arrangement also permits the spring length to be varied for design and material cost consideration and the strip in no way interferes with the normal function of the cover in closing the oil cup. It

is also not necessary for the front edge of the cover 22 to carry the weight of the spring with it in its pivotal movement.

In the arrangement of FIGURES 6 through 9, the oil cup 11 is substantially the same in construction as the cup of FIGURES 1 through 5. The oil cup 11 has a tubular shaped body portion 13' with an opening 14' at its lower end and an opening 15' at its upper end leading into the chamber 16'. At one side of the cup at the top is a hinge plate 27' with laterally extending hinge lugs 28' and 29'. The hinge plate is provided with a reaction edge or surface 34 at its distal edge which is spaced from the pivotal axis of the cover for the cup. The cup body 13' has a smaller lower portion 17' and a larger upper portion 18.

A cover 40 for the oil cup 11' has a flat top planar portion 41 with a down turned flanged edge 42 to cover the top edge of the cup. The cover may be formed of sheet metal or a like material and has a front edge 43 which extends over the oil cup with the cover in closed position, as illustrated in FIGURE 6, and a rear edge 44. The cover has downwardly extending flaps 65 and 66, with openings pivotally receiving the lugs 28 and 29' such as opening 67 for the flap 65.

For automatically closing the cover and snapping it shut, an integral cover closing spring strip 45 extends from the rear edge 44 of the cover. The spring strip is bent forwardly toward the front edge 43 of the cover to extend along therebeneath in a first spring strip portion 46. The strip is doubled back in a second spring strip portion 47 which extends rearwardly. The second portion may be for purposes of discussion divided into two parts referred to as a second portion 47a and a third portion 47b. The portion 471: is turned rearwardly and the portion 47b is turned rearwardly and downwardly and engages the reaction surface 34'. The spring strip thus applies a closing torque to the cover 40.

The cover closing strip continues to terminate at a limiting end 48 which engages the side wall of the oil cup 11' when the cover is in open position, as illustrated in FIGURE 9. The spring strip thus serves a dual function. The limit to which the cover may be opened can be controlled by designing the length of the end 48 to stop the cover at the desired angle of opening. In some instances, the end 48 may be omitted.

The cover 40 closes substantially tight over the top of the oil cup 11 and in some instances the spring strip 45 may be shortened so that it will not extend between the top of the cup and the cover. Also, the hinge plate 27 may be dropped downwardly along the side of the oil cup and a notch formed to afford clearance for the spring strip so that the lower surface of the cover will fit absolutely flush with the top edge of the cup.

FIGURE illustrates an arrangement for a hinge plate wherein means are provided to additionally secure the cover to the cup. A hinge plate 50 is provided with laterally extending lugs 51 and 52. The ends of the lugs are fiat at 53 and 54 to provide flap-retaining ears 53a and 53b for the flattened portion 53 and 54a and 54b for the flattened portion 54. It will be observed that flaps 55 and 56 of a cover are placed over the lugs before they are flattened.

While FIGURE 10 is illustrated as being a section taken from FIGURE 6, inasmuch as the construction differs somewhat therefrom, diflerent part numbers are employed.

In operation, as illustrated in the arrangement of FIG- URES 1 through 4, the cover 12 is pivotally mounted on the oil cup 11 and is supported on the lugs 28 and 29 of the hinge plate 27. The integral spring strip 31 bears against the reaction surface 34 and urges the cover to closed position. The bend or nose 33 of the strip limits the opening position of the cover.

Thus it will be seen that I have provided an improved oiler assembly having the objectives and advantages hereinabove set forth. With the improved spring strip arrangement, the number of bends required in the strip are reduced to a minimum thereby increasing the reliability and operating life. This also reduces breakage during manufacture. A salient feature of the arrangements, and particularly the arrangement of FIGURES 1 through 4 is the elimination of problems in the construction of dies to form the bend. The simple bend arrangements of FIGURE 1 are achieved without encountering difficulties in die construction.

In the arrangements illustrated, the spring strips are constructed so that the covers will automatically close. As will be appreciated, with a structural change the springs can be arranged so that the covers will stay in open position when swung fully open and will snap shut when moved toward the closed position.

With the spring strip arrangement, the length of the spring can be easily regulated. The spring does not encumber the normal function of the cover and does not impair the tight closing of the cover nor require carrying the spring with the front edge of the cover as it snaps shut or is opened.

The drawings and specification present a detailed dis closure of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific forms disclosed, but covers all modifications, changes and alternative constructions and methods falling within the scope of the principles taught by the invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup defining an oil chamber therein with an opening, a pivotal cover for closing said chamber opening, means pivotally mounting the cover on said cup for pivotal movement about an axis at the rear of the cover with the front edge extending over said opening, a cover closing strip attached to the cover at the rear edge of the cover and formed of a resilient material, and a stationary reaction member positioned rearwardly of the pivotal axis of the cover with said resilient closing strip engaging said reaction member.

2. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup defining an oil chamber therein with a chamber opening, a cover for closing said chamber opening formed of sheet metal, means pivotally mounting the cover on said cup for pivotal movement about an axis at the rear of the cover with the front edge extending over said opening in closed position, a reaction member positioned externally of the cup and supported on said cup, and an integral spring closing strip extending from the rear edge of the cover engaging said reaction member at a location displaced from the pivotal axis of the cover to urge the cover to closed position over the cup opening.

3. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup having an oil chamber therein with a chamber opening, a pivotal cover for closing said chamber opening, a hinge member rigidly mounted on the cup, means pivotally mounting the cover on said hinge member for pivoting about an axis at the rear of the cover with its front edge extending over said opening in closed position, a cover closing strip attached to the cover at the rear edge of the cover and formed of a resilient material, and a reaction surface on said hinge member engaged by the closing strip and positioned externally of the cup and at a location displaced from the pivotal axis of the cover so that the cover will be urged toward closed position over the chamber opening.

4. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup defining a chamber therein with a chamber opening, a pivotal cover for closing said chamber opening, a hinge member rigidly mounted on the cup, hinge lugs extending laterally from the hinge member, flaps extending downwardly from the cover with openings pivotally receiving said hinge lug, a closing strip attached at the rear edge of the cover and formed of a resilient material, and a reaction surface on said hinge member engaged by the closing strip at a location displaced from the pivotal axis of the cover so that the cover will be urged toward a closed position over the chamber opening.

5. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup defining an oil chamber therein with a chamber opening in the cup, a cover for closing said chamber opening, means pivotally mounting the cover on said cup for a pivotal movement about an axis at the rear of the cover with a front edge extending over said opening in closed position, a hinge member rigidly mounted on the cup, means pivotally mounting the cover on said hinge member for pivoting about its rear edge, and a spring closing strip extending integrally from the rear edge of the cover with a first portion turned downwardly from the cover and a second portion turned upwardly at its end with its outer surface bearing resiliently against the distal edge of said hinge member for resiliently urging the cover to closed position over the chamber opening.

6. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup with an oil chamber therein having an opening, a cover for closing said chamber opening, a hinge member rigidly mounted on the cup, means pivotally mounting the cover on said hinge member for pivoting about an axis at the rear of the cover with its front edge extending over said opening in closed position, and a spring closing strip extending integrally from the rear edge of the cover with a first portion turned downwardly from the cover and a second portion turned upwardly in a bend to form a limiting nose for engaging the outer surface of said cup to limit the opening pivotal movement of the cover, said second portion of the strip extending from said bend resiliently bearing against the distal edge of said hinge member for resiliently urging the cover to closed position over the chamber opening.

7. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup defining an oil chamber therein with a chamber opening, a cover for closing said chamber opening, a hinge member rigidly mounted on the cup, means pivotally mounting the cover on said hinge member for pivoting about an axis at the rear of said cover with its front edge extending over the chamber opening in closed position, a projection at the rear edge of said hinge member forming a reaction surface positioned outwardly from the pivotal axis of the cover, and a cover closing strip attached at the rear edge of the cover and formed of a resilient material engaging said reaction surface to urge the cover to closed position over the cup opening.

8. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup defining an oil chamber therein with a chamber opening, a cover for closing said chamber opening, a hinge member rigidly mounted on the cup, hinge lugs extending laterally from the hinge member, flaps extending downwardly from the cover with openings pivotally receiving said hinge lugs, a reaction surface on said hinge member displaced from the pivotal axis of the cover, and a cover closing spring strip extending from the rear of the cover and doubled back under the cover with a first portion extending along beneath the cover, a second portion turned rearwardly from said first portion, and a third portion turned downwardly from said second portion and having an inner surface engaging said reaction surface urging the cover to closed position.

9. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup defining an oil chamber therein with an opening, a pivotal cover for closing said chamber opening, means pivotally mounting the cover on said cup for pivoting about an axis at the rear of the cover with its front edge extending over said opening in a closed position, a cover closing strip attached to the cover at the rear edge of the cover and formed of a resilient material, and a reaction member having a. stationary reaction surface positioned externally of the cup and engaged by said resilient closing strip at a location so that the strip will resiliently force said cover toa closed position.

10. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup defining an oil chamber therein with a chamber opening, a pivotal cover for closing said chamber opening, means pivotally" mounting the cover on said cup for pivoting about an; axis at the rear of said cover with the front edge extending over said opening in closed position, a cover closing spring strip extending from the rear of the cover and doubled back under the cover with a first portion extend-- ing along beneath the cover and a second portion turnedv rearwardly and downwardly with the end having an: inner surface, and a reaction member on the cup having a stationary reaction surface positioned at a location dis-- placed from the pivotal axis of the cover and engaged by said inner surface of the end of the strip to urge the: cover to closed position.

11. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup definingan oil chamber therein with a chamber opening, a pivotal. cover for closing said chamber opening, means pivotally mounting the cover on said cup for pivoting about its: rear edge with the front edge extending over said openingin closed position, a cover closing spring strip extending from the rear of the cover and doubled back under thecover with a first portion extending along beneath the cover and a second portion turned rearwardly and downwardly with the end having an inner surface, and a reaction member on the cup having a stationary reaction surface positioned at a location displaced from the pivotal axis of the cover and engaged by said inner surface of the end of the strip to urge the cover to closed position, said second portion terminating in a limiting end positioned to engage the outer surface of the cup to limit the opening pivotal movement of the cover.

12. An oiler assembly comprising an oil cup with a chamber therein having a chamber opening, a pivotal cover for closing said chamber opening, a hinge plate means attached to the cup and projecting rearwardly from said chamber opening, hinge lugs extending laterally from the hinge plate means, flaps extending downwardly from the cover with openings pivotally receiving said hinge lugs, flattened portions at the outer ends of said hinge lugs forming fiap ret-aining ears holding the cover on the cup, a cover closing strip attached at the rear edge of the cover and formed of a resilient material, and a reaction surface supported on the hinge plate means in fixed relation to be engaged by said strip at a location offset from the pivotal axis of said cover so that the strip will force said cover to a closed position over the oil cup chamber opening.

References Qited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,091,110 Banes Mar. 24, 1914 1,498,479 Paganista June 17, 1924 2,432,323 MacManus Dec. 9, 1947 2,715,949 Nolan A g. 23, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 53,570 Sweden Jan. 24, 1923 

